https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

A UPSC Topper’s Inspirational Roadmap from Citibank to Civil Services

Pratibha quits lucrative job to pursue passion – a much coveted Civil Services job Balanced approach, family support was key to Pratibha's UPSC success at AIR 356 She chose maths optional, defying gender stereotypes in her UPSC journey
Indian Masterminds Stories

Every year, the announcement of the UPSC Civil Services Examination results sends ripples of excitement through the nation’s top coaching institutes. Among them is Jamia Millia Islamia’s Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), which has carved a niche for itself with an impressive success rate. This year, the academy proudly boasts of 31 candidates securing coveted ranks in the final merit list, out of the 60 who made it to the personality test round.

At the heart of this achievement lies the inspiring story of Pratibha Saharan, who secured an impressive All India Rank of 356. Her journey to civil services is a demonstration of the power of perseverance, strategic preparation, and the nurturing environment provided by Jamia’s RCA.

Watch the full interview here:

Hailing from Gurugram, Haryana, Pratibha’s academic prowess was evident from an early age. After completing her schooling, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Delhi University’s Daulat Ram College, followed by a Master’s from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. Her mathematical aptitude led her to a lucrative job as an analyst with Citibank.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a turning point in Pratibha’s life. Working from home, she found herself drawn to the sense of purpose exhibited by her family members in government services. “I wanted to be in a place where what I was doing would impact other people more than it would impact my life,” she recalls.

Driven by a desire to contribute to society and share the benefits of education she had received, Pratibha took the bold step of resigning from her corporate job to pursue her dream of becoming a civil servant.

Choosing the notoriously complex Mathematics as her optional subject, Pratibha embarked on her UPSC preparation journey. She cleared the Preliminary stage in her first try but fell short of qualifying for the personality test. But, she did get selected in her second attempt with an AIR 356.

Reflecting on her study routine, Pratibha acknowledges the demanding nature of the preparation while emphasizing the importance of balance. “I wouldn’t call it harsh,” she says, describing her schedule of dedicating mornings to Mathematics and afternoons to General Studies. Crucially, she made it a point to take breaks every weekend and occasionally indulge in hobbies like walking and exploring new eateries.

Pratibha’s association with RCA played a pivotal role in her success. “The library had a profound impact on my preparation, especially in maintaining consistency,” she explains. The academy’s conducive environment and the camaraderie shared with fellow aspirants provided solace during setbacks and inspiration during triumphs.

Addressing the lingering stereotype of mathematics being a male-dominated field, Pratibha firmly believes that gender has no bearing on one’s aptitude for a subject. “I think that girls cannot do mathematics is just a stereotype,” she asserts, crediting her teachers at every academic stage for nurturing her love for the subject.

While brimming with joy at her current achievement, Pratibha remains driven to improve her rank, fuelled by the unwavering support of her family. “Had it not been for my parents, I wouldn’t have left my job so confidently,” she acknowledges, highlighting the pivotal role of financial and emotional stability in embarking on the UPSC journey.

Pratibha’s story emerged as a beacon of inspiration for aspirants, underscoring the importance of perseverance, strategic preparation, and a nurturing ecosystem in conquering one of India’s toughest competitive examinations.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Former Karnataka DGP Om Prakash
Retired Karnataka DGP Om Prakash Found Dead at Bengaluru Home; Wife Detained
1000478229_1745086472
IPS Ankit Soni Appointed as New SP of Guna, MP
ChhattisgarhGovt_resized
IPS Transfers in Chhattisgarh: Major Reshuffle of 20 Officers, New SPs and IGs Appointed
174512286443
Senior IAS Officer Mugdha Sinha Appointed MD of India Tourism Development Corporation
9521720314202520017936
Dr. Jitendra Singh Interacts with 2023 IAS Batch, Applauds Record 41% Women Representation
BHEL_resized
BHEL Logs 19% Revenue Growth at 27,350 Crore in FY 2024-25
Steel-Authority
Chitta Ranjan Mohapatra Selected as Director In-Charge of Bhilai Steel Plant, SAIL
images - 2023-04-21T090510
India Becomes First Nation to Achieve Artificial Breeding of Great Indian Bustard
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
IRS Padmapani Bora’s 16-Year-Long Journey in Governance
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
This Collector Finds Happiness In Squeaks Of Children With Hearing Impairment Who Start Hearing After Surgery
Meghashree D R IAS
How Wayanad’s Women Turned a Disaster into a Dream Project
UPSC Stories
images (14)
Utsav Anand, the UPSC Topper Who Chose Public Service Over a Plush Career
From IIT Bombay to the 2022 IAS batch (Haryana cadre), Utsav Anand’s journey is proof that sharp minds...
pushplata-yadav-ias
How IAS Pushp Lata’s Strategy and Spirit Took Her to AIR 80
From rural Haryana to IAS, Pushp Lata Yadav’s journey reflects focused planning, adaptation, and the...
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
IRS Padmapani Bora’s 16-Year-Long Journey in Governance
IRS officer Padmapani Bora's 16-year career transcends typical bureaucracy. Discover his surprising journey...
Social Media
GozJlgrXYAAHoKv
Murals for Cleanliness: Thoothukudi District Launches Art-Inspired Sanitation Drive in Panchayats
Local artists add colour and messages to village walls, promoting hygiene and community pride
Himanshu Nagpal IAS
Varanasi's Beggar Rehabilitation Initiative Recognised by UIDAI, CDO Himanshu Nagpal Shares the News
Mr. Himanshu Nagpal is a 2019-batch IAS officer
IAS Vaishali Chopra
Young IAS Vaishali Chopra Takes a Stand Against Caste Bias During Field Training in Uttar Pradesh
While the issue itself may seem small, the post is resonating widely online for its honest reflection...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Former Karnataka DGP Om Prakash
Retired Karnataka DGP Om Prakash Found Dead at Bengaluru Home; Wife Detained
1000478229_1745086472
IPS Ankit Soni Appointed as New SP of Guna, MP
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
Meghashree D R IAS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT